Book Appointment

A Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. At HM & Co. Solicitors, we understand the importance of this step and are here to ensure the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our experienced Residential Conveyancing team takes a friendly, proactive approach, guiding you through every stage of your property purchase.

Accredited by the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), we offer a service you can trust, answering your questions promptly and ensuring you feel confident throughout the transaction.

First-Time Buyer Conveyancing Services

Our dedicated solicitors provide comprehensive support for first-time buyers, including:

  • Navigating the Purchase Process: We’ll guide you through every step, ensuring you understand what’s required.
  • Conducting Conveyancing Checks: Our robust checks uncover potential issues, so there are no surprises after the purchase.
  • Affordable Housing Support: We confirm your eligibility for government schemes and assistance programmes.
  • Stamp Duty Advice: We ensure any Stamp Duty Land Tax is calculated and paid correctly.
  • Additional Legal Support: We can advise on creating a Will, using a declaration of trust to allocate ownership shares, or any other legal considerations.

The Conveyancing Process for First-Time Buyers

For first-time buyers, the conveyancing process follows a similar structure to standard property transactions, with a few additional checks depending on your situation.

Here’s a typical overview:

  1. Identity and Funds: Confirm your identity and the source of your funds.
  2. First-Time Buyer Status: Verify that all parties on the title deed are first-time buyers.
  3. Assistance Schemes: Check eligibility for first-time buyer schemes such as a Lifetime ISA (LISA).
  4. Mortgage Review: Assess the terms of your mortgage.
  5. Document Review: Review the seller’s contracts and raise any necessary queries.
  6. Conveyancing Checks: Conduct checks to identify any issues with the property, such as boundary disputes or planning permissions.
  7. Agree Dates: Set dates for the exchange of contracts and completion.
  8. Sign Contracts: Confirm you’re happy with the terms and proceed to sign.
  9. Funds Transfer: Handle the transfer of deposits and balance payments.
  10. Stamp Duty Payment: Submit payment of any applicable Stamp Duty to HMRC.
  11. Final Steps: Register the property with the Land Registry and confirm completion.

Government Schemes for First-Time Buyers

If you’re a first-time buyer, you may be eligible for financial assistance through government schemes.

First Homes Scheme

This scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase a home for 30-50% less than the market value. The property must either be new or previously purchased under the same scheme.

Lifetime ISA (LISA)

A LISA enables you to save up to £4,000 annually, with a 25% government bonus of up to £1,000 per year. LISAs are available for individuals aged 18-39 and can be used towards your first property.

Note: The popular Help to Buy mortgage scheme closed in 2023 and is no longer available to new applicants.

Understanding Stamp Duty for First-Time Buyers

First-time buyers benefit from reduced Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) thresholds in England:

  • No SDLT on properties up to £425,000.
  • 5% SDLT on the portion between £425,001 and £625,000.

For example, if you purchase a property for £525,000, you’ll pay no tax on the first £425,000 and 5% on the remaining £100,000, resulting in a total SDLT bill of £5,000.

If the property exceeds £625,000, standard Stamp Duty rates apply.

How Much Deposit Do First-Time Buyers Need?

For most mortgages, you’ll need a deposit of at least 10%. However, if you qualify for a Help to Buy mortgage (sometimes called a first-time buyer mortgage), you may only need a 5% deposit.

The exact deposit amount depends on your income, the property’s value, and your lender’s requirements.

Why First-Time Buyers Need a Solicitor

Using a solicitor for your first home purchase is highly recommended. A specialist conveyancing solicitor ensures:

  • All legal steps are correctly followed.
  • Potential issues are identified and resolved before purchase.
  • The process is faster and less stressful.

At HM & Co. Solicitors, we’re here to protect your interests and guide you through this exciting journey.

Get in Touch with HM & Co. Solicitors

Ready to take the first step towards homeownership? Let HM & Co. Solicitors handle your conveyancing needs with professionalism and care.

Request a no-obligation quote today and experience the difference our expert team can make in your first-time buyer journey.

Your Questions, Answered

FAQs

Conveyancing and Local Authority Searches GAQs

What is a Local Authority Search?

A Local Authority Search is a check carried out by your conveyancer or solicitor when you buy a property. It provides information about the property’s legal status, planning history, and the area’s local development plans. This ensures you understand factors that could affect the property’s value or your enjoyment of it, such as future building work or any restrictions that may apply.

Why is it so Important?

Without a Local Authority Search, you may not realise, for example, that a major new development or busy road is planned near the property. Or that a previous extension at the back of the house might not have had proper planning permission. If you discover such issues after purchasing, they can be time-consuming and expensive to resolve—or worse, you might find you’ve significantly overpaid for the house.

 

Do I Really Need One?

Yes. Even if you are buying a property without a mortgage, it is highly advisable to conduct a Local Authority Search. Lenders insist on this search for properties bought with a mortgage, as it helps protect their investment (and yours) by ensuring there are no hidden problems.

 

What Does a Local Authority Search Show?

The Local Authority Search report typically covers:

  • Planning Permissions & Building Regulations: Shows whether extensions or alterations have proper authorisation.
  • Roads & Footpaths: Indicates whether roads or footpaths next to the property are public or private (which might create maintenance responsibilities for the homeowner).
  • Proposed Road Schemes: Provides insight into any future highways or planning proposals that could affect the property’s value.
  • Conservation Areas & Protected Trees: Lets you know if there are special rules or restrictions in force due to conservation.
  • Enforcement Notices or Legal Restrictions: Alerts you to any breaches of planning conditions or notices that the local authority may enforce.

 

How Much Does It Cost & Who Pays?

The buyer typically pays for the Local Authority Search. Fees vary by local authority but can often be around £100 (sometimes more). Your conveyancer will usually handle the process of ordering and paying for it on your behalf.

 

How Long Does It Take?

In general, the results can come back in around one to two weeks, but it varies from one local authority to another. Some may take several weeks depending on demand or complexity.

 

Does a Local Authority Search Include a Physical Inspection?

No. A Local Authority Search is a desktop-based review of the property’s official records. It does not replace a survey, which examines the physical condition of the building. Similarly, it does not include recent planning applications submitted after the date of the search, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on local planning portals for the most up-to-date information.

 

Protecting Your Interests in Conveyancing

Local Authority Searches are just one part of the conveyancing puzzle. Your conveyancer or solicitor will carry out several other checks, known as property searches, which may include:

  • Water & Drainage Search
  • Environmental Search
  • Chancel Repair Search

These searches all play a part in painting a complete picture of the property’s status and any risks.

Need More Help with Conveyancing?

We hope these FAQs give you a better idea of how Local Authority Searches fit into buying or selling a property.

If you have further questions or need support on any aspect of conveyancing, please get in touch with HM & Co. Solicitors.
We offer tailored advice from a team of experienced professionals to make your property transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Contact HM & Co. Solicitors

Our friendly team of legal experts is on hand to discuss your needs and guide you through the conveyancing process from start to finish. Feel free to call or email, and we’ll do all we can to help you secure peace of mind in your property transaction.

<< 1 >>


Services

Our Conveyancing Services

Conveyancing Solicitors
Conveyancing Solicitors

Book Appointment Conveyancing Solicitors Buying or selling a property is a major life event, often involving significant financial and legal complexities. At HM & Co. Solicitors, our specialist conveyancing team…

Read more
Shared Ownership Solicitors
Shared Ownership Solicitors

Book Appointment Shared Ownership Solicitors Shared ownership schemes have become a popular way for individuals with lower incomes or smaller deposits to get onto the property ladder. Despite its growing…

Read more
Top10 Tips for Selling Your Home
Top10 Tips for Selling Your Home

10 Top Tips for Selling Your Home Book Appointment Top 10 Tips For Selling Your Home Selling your home can be an exciting yet challenging process. Whether you’re upgrading to…

Read more
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Conveyancing Process
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Conveyancing Process

Book Appointment What Can I Do to Speed Up the Conveyancing Process The excitement of buying or selling a property can sometimes be dampened by the lengthy conveyancing process. While…

Read more
A Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Buyers
A Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Buyers

Book Appointment A Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Buyers Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. At HM & Co. Solicitors, we understand the…

Read more
Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

I have been using HM & Co. Solicitors since Feb 2020 for my Non-Molestation order and Child Arrangements proceedings. Since using them I have had two amazing solicitors on my case, Felicia and Ayesha. This has been the first time I have ever been to court and had been quite nervous, especially due to the sensitivity of the proceedings. Felicia and Ayesha have been nothing but patient, professional and understanding. I have felt very supportive and reassured throughout the proceedings and they have made sure that I understand what is going on throughout all the hearings. If anyone is ever needing of legal help relating to Domestic Violence or Child Arrangements, I will always recommend HM & Co. Solicitor, Felicia and Ayesha. Thank you again for all your help and support!
Simone Simoes
Simone Simoes
Love to say a massive thank you to HM & Co.Solicitors for a job well done on my two cases, really excited with the way my case was handle by Miss Daisy was amazing with good communication with client, very supportive, professional. I will recommend them to anyone experiencing legal/family issues and need legal advice/support. Miss O Adesina.
O Adesina
O Adesina
HM & Co. Solicitors are so helpful from receptionists right to the solicitors. I've had a few applications made to the court, which includes a non molestation order, recovering my son's passport from his dad and also arranging visits and Felicia is such a professional, organised solicitor who knows her staff so well. She is a blessing and willing to help. She thinks outside the box, and finds solutions in the blink of an eye! Besides her expertise in this field, she will not hesitate to speak up and stand firm when necessary. I am very grateful for her and the company who are so supportive and helpful. Highly recommend!
Constanta Tincu
Constanta Tincu
HM & Co. Solicitors provided an excellent service when supporting us to purchase a flat (where we are first time buyers). Michael, our solicitor, explained the process clearly so it was not stressful, and acted efficiently to speed up the process. He also ensured we did not exchange immediately due to uncertainty over building works, which saved us a lot of money in the long-run. His judgement calls were excellent and ensured we came out with the best deal possible. I would not hesitate to work with HM &Co Solicitors again.
Sophia Dimitriadis
Sophia Dimitriadis
Shocked and surprised! I entered the HM & Co Solicitors on Lower Road in what can only be described as a highly agitated state. I had been told a variety of information from another company and had been told I needed services from a solicitor. After explaining my situation to the gentleman I now know as Mr Hakeem Ayantayo (solicitor) he advised me that I did not need his services and to offer them to me for monetary gain would be against good public practise. He offered me friendly advice and even briefly spoke on the phone to the other company who were trying to make things difficult for me. Ultimately the situation I was in was resolved due to Mr Ayantayo and his due diligence. Mr Ayantayo could have taken advantage of my ignorance and lack of lawful knowledge but instead showed me kindness and support all while not fleecing me! Which in this day and age is a rarity! My sincere thanks to Mr Ayantayo and his lovely secretary you have restored my faith in not only the local business community but people in general.
Fareen Ali
Fareen Ali
Get Started with Confidence

Book Appointment

January 2025
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
30
31
1
2
3
6
7
8
9
10
13
14
15
16
17
20
21
22
23
24
27
28
29
30
31
Insights & Advice

Latest Blog Posts

What Can I Do to Speed Up the Conveyancing Process
Read more
A Comprehensive Guide to Buying a New-Build Home
Read more
A Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Buyers
Read more